Narrative of the Honourable John Byron (Commodore in a Late Expedition round the World) containing An Account of the Great Distresses suffered by Himself and His Companions on the Coast of Patagonia...also a Relation of the Loss of the Wager Man of War, one of Admiral Anson's Squadron.
London: S. Baker & G. Leigh, and T. Davies, 1768. First edition. Hardcover. Admiral Byron (1723-1786), known as 'Foul-weather Jack' because his commands seemed to attract storms, was a midshipman on the Wager when the ship was wrecked on an island off the coast of Chili (sic). He describes the privations endured by the survivors who were made prisoners by the Indians and turned over to the Spanish authorities. This "Narrative of the Loss of the Wager is one of the most thrilling accounts in the language, and supplied his illustrious descendant with many particulars for the shipwreck in 'Don Juan''. (Sabin 9730). James Cook named Byron's Bay in northern New South Wales after the author.
8vo, viii, 257pp, frontispiece. Original speckled brown calf boards, with an attractive respine retaining the original title label. Corners tastefully strengthened where slightly bumped. Private library label of Thos. D. Murphy inside front cover, 19th century previous owner "George Herbert Jun." on upper margin of title. Overall an extremely pleasant copy. Huntress 78C; Hill p.41-42. Spence 238. Very good overall. Item #22509
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